Compensation for family of woman killed by texting teenage driver

Christine Lyon was killed in 2010 when a teenager driver lost control of her vehicle whilst reading a text

12 July 2012

Specialist personal injury claims solicitor Christine Tallon has secured a six figure sum for the widower and family of Mrs Christine Lyon who was tragically killed in a road crash in February 2010. The driver of a Suzuki Jimney lost control of the vehicle when she was reading a text. Mrs Lyon was walking along the pavement of Forbury Road, Reading, when the vehicle mounted the pavement and collided with her. The driver, who was aged 17 at the time of the accident, had passed her driving test and was driving in the company of her driving instructor mother. She was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and sentenced to 30 months imprisonment.

Mrs Lyon was the sole carer for her disabled husband, John, who suffers with polio and requires significant assistance with many activities of daily living. He is now reliant upon his children and paid support workers for his care. Mrs Lyon also provided childcare assistance for her two young grandchildren.

There was significant dispute between the parties’ respective care experts as to the extent of care Mrs Lyon would have provided to her husband. The driver’s insurers went to great lengths in trying to show that Mr Lyon was not in any great need of care, to the extent of undertaking under-cover video surveillance at his wife’s graveside.

Christine Tallon said:

"This was a very tragic case and highlights the danger of using mobile phones when driving. The issue of driver distraction should be a significant concern to our society especially with the widespread use of mobile phones, Blackberrys and even hands free phones and satnav systems. The Police and CPS should come down hard on people who flout the law because as this case illustrates, the consequences can be devastating”.